June 18-21: Study topics in-depth at summer school

The CFT Union Summer School equips local leaders with the powerful skills to organize successful campaigns to build high-quality public education, involve members in union activities, increase the political voice of educators and establish excellent representation and collective bargaining programs.

The program is geared for emerging and veteran local leaders who want to take their skills to the next level. The week is filled with rigorous workshops, motivated and skilled trainers, and applied learning. There is also the opportunity to share best practices with local leaders from across the state and to find inspiration in one another’s work. Join us for this exciting week-long, union leadership program!

Summer School will take place at UCLA's Luskin Conference Center. This year we are offering four courses, including one new class. In addition, we are offering a new two-day course for union teams. There are also evening workshops.

Courses offerings at Union Summer School 2018

June 18-21 (Monday afternoon through Thursday evening)

WINNING THE BEST CONTRACT: Collective bargaining & contract campaignsThis simulation-based course focuses on the basic strategies, best practices, and skills necessary to ensure that your local union is in a good position to negotiate the best contract possible. This introductory-level course is designed for new chief negotiators, new bargaining team members, or those with just a few years of experience. Veteran bargaining team members who want to refresh their basic skills are also welcome to attend.

ACTIVATING A LEADERSHIP NETWORK: In Your Local Union & Train-the-TrainerThis course will prepare participants to build a strong worksite leadership structure. Participants will be able to identify department and site-level leaders and involve them in union activities so that there is a vibrant leadership structure at every site and in every department across the union. Participants will also complete a Train-the-Trainer program so that they are able to teach the CFT Worksite Leaders Training within their local union. The CFT Worksite Leaders Training covers legal rights, grievance handling, role of worksite leaders, member outreach, and tools to solve worksite issues and contract violations.

NEW! ELECTION BOOTCAMP: Winning at the ballot box for our members, students, & communitiesThis new course prepares participants to plan and run an effective electoral campaign. This course will dive deep into electoral strategy, managing campaign field operations, COPE, and member-to-member political organizing. This course is designed for local unions with open school board and board of trustee seats in 2018 and 2019, those in key congressional and state legislative districts, and others interested in strengthening their union’s ability to run election campaigns. It will be taught by GroundWorks Campaigns and the CFT Political Department.

NOTE! TREASURER'S TRAINING: Due to implications of the Janus case, the Treasurer's Training is now being offered as two-day trainings in August. The first training will be held in Sacramento on July 31-August 1 and the second in Burbank on August 7-8. Register to attend here.

Key planning information for Union Summer School

SCHEDULEThree-and-a-half day courses: June 18-21

Program begins Monday, June 18 at noon (with lunch available).

Program adjourns Thursday, June 21 at 5:00 pm.

Classes on other days will generally run from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm followed by an evening program of discussions, required team projects, homework, and social time.

There is no commuter rate available; it is a residential program. There are required evening projects.

Three-and-a-half day courses

Single occupancy: private room, private bath - $750 per person.

Double occupancy: room with two beds & bath - $525 per person

SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships are available for a shared, double occupancy room, most meals, and tuition, but do not include transportation or parking. Scholarship applications are due May 1. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn more and to obtain an application.